Sabin Merino Says Goodbye To Athletic Club With Emotional Letter

Like so many other young boys from Bizkaia, Sabin Merino grew up with the dream of one day playing for Athletic. He attended Lezama for a brief spell and eventually progressed through CD Basconia and Bilbao Athletic before making his debut with the first team in 2015. Merino played an integral role in helping Athletic lift the Spanish Super Cup, but saw his chances dwindle after dealing with several injuries.

Merino made 75 appearances for Athletic over a four-year span, scoring eight goals over that stretch of time. This season he joined Leganés on loan in hopes of regaining his best form and earning a place at San Mamés. Unfortunately, the striker was unable to establish himself and Athletic recently announced that he would be leaving the club this summer. On Monday, the 27-year-old posted an emotional farewell message on his Instagram page thanking the club and fans.

A post shared by Sabin Merino (@sabinmerino19) on May 9, 2019 at 1:39pm PDT

“I’m not sure how to start writing everything I feel. Gratitude is, without a doubt, my greatest feeling. I am grateful for everything that you have given me, experiences that I will never forget without a doubt.

I was a child and I had to leave. I was a teenager and I became a man. During these years I experienced promotion to the Segunda and a title with Athletic, with MY Athletic, the club of my life. Who was going to tell me that my dreams were going to come true? I have enjoyed every second I’ve lived inside the club, all thanks to my teammates, whom I consider friends, as well as the Doctors, physios, coaches, etc. They make the day to day very great.

Finally, I would like to thank the fans, all those who have supported me in the good times and encouraged me to continue in the bad. I stop being a player of our Athletic, but I won’t stop being a fan since my heart, voice, and breath will always be with you. Eskerrik Asko eta Aupa Athletic!!!”